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Ilish er Tel Jhol

Ilish Er Tel Jhol ((Hilsa in a Light Gravy)

Ilish tel jhol. Hilsa in a runny gravy scented with kalonji and turmeric. Spiked with green chillies. Finished with a generous drizzle of mustard oil.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Bangladeshi, Bengali

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces Ilish or hilsa
  • 6-7 green chilies slit
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp nigella seeds or kalonji
  • 4 tbsp mustard oil
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Clean and wash the fish. Marinate with salt and turmeric.
  • Add a little water to the remaining turmeric and red chili powder to make a gorgeous golden yellow wet paste. Keep aside.
  • Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a pan, fry the fish till light brown. Keep aside.
  • Add the rest of the oil in the same pan, add the kalonji and green chilies. Once they stop spluttering, add the turmeric-red chili paste. Sprinkle in the salt. Cook for a minute or two. Now add 3/4 cup of warm water and let it simmer for 5 odd minutes on medium heat.
  • Now add the fried fish and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice.